Bluegrass Festival brings in big names

An impressive lineup of bluegrass artists will be performing this weekend at the 32nd annual Bluegrass Festival at Strawberry Park in Preston.

Sharma Howard

Bluegrass fiddles its way into your heart without the glitz of pop or the drama of rock. Its acoustic fire sizzles the crossroads of American music, and its tradition, while beginning to fuse with other styles, remains strongly rooted in individualism — both in musical presentation and in the artists who become the legends.

An impressive lineup of bluegrass artists will be performing this weekend at the 32nd annual Bluegrass Festival at Strawberry Park in Preston. Rhonda Vincent — one of the most prominent female bluegrass vocalists — and newer groups such as The Greencards are among the performers.

Peter Rowan, who teamed up with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and Vassar Clements to form “Old and In The Way” — whose album by the same title held the distinction for being the top-selling bluegrass album for decades — will also be performing.

Rowan, said Ellen Giurleo, promoter for the festival, garners an international following, a big name that will draw a fanbase.

Legends such as Rowan will fuel the weekend, with music as the main draw for festival-goers, but there is still plenty to keep families occupied if they opt for just a few acts at this resort campground.

There are three swimming pools, whirlpool spas, playgrounds, a jumping pillow, an arcade and craft vendors. Then there’s bingo, storytime, volleyball, and horseshoes to keep families entertained.

During the weekend, said David Nowakowski, recreation director at Strawberry Park, festival participants may sign up for music classes with artists from the International Bluegrass Music Association, and perform onstage Sunday night after six hours of instruction.

Who knows — they may become the next Tony Trischka, considered one of the best banjo pickers on the circuit who will also be performing at the festival. Well-known as a banjo teacher, Trischka has been nominated for a Grammy, and won instrumental album of the year from International Bluegrass Music Association.

Also included are The Grascals, who are relatively new to the scene, debuting in 2006 with Dolly Parton singing on their album, “The Grascals.” Since then, they have twice been nominated for a Grammy, and were named emerging artist of the year from IBMA, as well as entertainer of the year.